Govt confidence expressed over AIDS MDGs

Zambian health officials say they are capable of meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) against HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Tuberculosis (TB). The MDGs, set by the UN and adopted by governments in 2000, cover eight major commitments to be achieved by 2015, including halving poverty and hunger, halting the spread of HIV/AIDS and ensuring that all children have access to primary education. Citing the finding of a recent survey, Zambian Health Minister Brian Chituwo said there had already been a decrease in TB cases, while HIV infection rates were still being compiled. "I am optimistic that Zambia will fight HIV/AIDS, Malaria, TB and other diseases under the MDGs by 2015," he told a local newspaper, The Times of Zambia.